Banjar Padangtegal Kelod

Banjar Padangtegal Kelod is another sub-village (banjar) within Padangtegal Village in Ubud, Bali. Like other banjars in Bali, Banjar Padangtegal Kelod plays a key role in local social, cultural, and religious life, but it is also distinctive in its geographical location and its relationship to the rest of the community, including the famous Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Overview of Banjar Padangtegal Kelod

• Location: Banjar Padangtegal Kelod is situated in the southern part of Padangtegal Village, which lies near the town of Ubud in Gianyar Regency, Bali. The term "Kelod" in Balinese refers to the southern direction, typically towards the sea. So, in the traditional Balinese village division system, Banjar Padangtegal Kelodwould be the "southern" area of the village.

• Proximity to Key Landmarks: Banjar Padangtegal Kelod is located close to one of Bali's most iconic tourist attractions, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (also known as the Ubud Monkey Forest). While the sanctuary itself is mostly located in the central and northern parts of Padangtegal Village, the southern part of the village, including Banjar Padangtegal Kelod, is directly adjacent to it, benefiting from the cultural and economic influence of the site.

Cultural and Religious Importance

The banjar system in Bali is fundamental to organizing community life, and Banjar Padangtegal Kelod is no exception. The people of Padangtegal Kelod actively participate in religious ceremonies, cultural activities, and social functions that are integral to the local community’s identity and way of life.

• Religious Practices: As with other banjars, the residents of Banjar Padangtegal Kelod adhere to Balinese Hinduism and regularly participate in the island’s Hindu rituals and ceremonies. This includes major ceremonies such as odalan (temple anniversaries), ngaben (cremation ceremonies), and dasa yadnya (offerings for the welfare of the community and the world). These ceremonies are often conducted at the village temples or family shrines, and the community gathers to make offerings, sing, and participate in traditional rituals.

• Temples and Sacred Sites: Banjar Padangtegal Kelod has its own local temples and spiritual sites, many of which are associated with Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. The temples in the area play an important role in the community’s religious life, with rituals focused on honoring the gods, ancestors, and the spirits of the forest. The Pura Dalem temple, for example, is dedicated to Shiva and is an important spiritual landmark for the residents.

• Community Cooperation: The banjar also functions as a social unit, where members work together to organize not only religious activities but also community events, social gatherings, and mutual assistance. The banjar system fosters a sense of shared responsibility, where villagers contribute to the common good, whether for building temples, organizing ceremonies, or supporting those in need.

Role in the Social Fabric of Ubud

While Banjar Padangtegal Kelod is part of the larger Padangtegal Village, it also plays a significant role in the social dynamics of Ubud as a whole. Ubud is often regarded as the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali, and the community of Padangtegal (including Padangtegal Kelod) is a key part of the village's identity.

• Art and Culture: As Ubud is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, residents of Banjar Padangtegal Kelod, like those in other parts of Padangtegal and Ubud, are likely involved in local arts, including painting, wood carving, dance, and music. Ubud is home to many artists, and traditional Balinese arts are celebrated and preserved in the community.

• Tourism and Economy: The proximity to the Monkey Forest Sanctuary has had a profound impact on the local economy. The influx of tourists to the sanctuary and the Ubud area supports businesses such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, and handicraft shops, many of which are likely operated by residents of Padangtegal Kelod. This makes tourism an essential economic driver for the community, though efforts are made to preserve the area's natural beauty and traditional culture despite the growing influence of tourism.

Ecological and Environmental Context

Banjar Padangtegal Kelod, located in the southern part of Padangtegal Village, benefits from the lush natural environment of the region. Ubud, and by extension Padangtegal, is known for its rice terraces, forests, and rivers, and the people of Padangtegal Kelod have a spiritual connection to the surrounding landscape.

• Sacred Natural Spaces: In Bali, nature is considered sacred, and the natural environment surrounding Banjar Padangtegal Kelod, including the Sacred Monkey Forest, is seen as a site of great spiritual significance. The temple complexes within the forest, as well as the surrounding jungle, rivers, and rice paddies, are places where religious ceremonies are performed, and the community believes the spirits of nature reside.

• Conservation and Sustainability: As part of Ubud’s broader commitment to sustainable tourism, the residents of Banjar Padangtegal Kelod are likely involved in conservation efforts aimed at protecting the environment, including the monkey population, the forests, and the rice terraces. Balinese villagers are also deeply committed to preserving their sacred landscapes and ecosystems.

Tourism and Local Interaction

The residents of Banjar Padangtegal Kelod interact with the tourism industry in a way that reflects the balance between tradition and modernity. While the village benefits from the economic impact of tourism, the community works to ensure that the natural and cultural heritage is respected and preserved.

• Cultural Tourism: Many tourists come to Ubud, and specifically to the Sacred Monkey Forest, to experience traditional Balinese rituals, art, and spirituality. Banjar Padangtegal Kelod, with its proximity to the Monkey Forest, is often part of the cultural experiences offered to visitors, such as seeing traditional Balinese dance performances, participating in spiritual ceremonies, and exploring the temples.

• Environmental Responsibility: Given the growing number of visitors to Ubud, there is a strong emphasis on responsible tourism that respects the local culture and environment. This includes initiatives to reduce waste, support sustainable farming, and promote eco-friendly tourism practices. Banjar Padangtegal Kelod, as part of this greater effort, likely plays a role in supporting these environmentally conscious efforts.

Conclusion

Banjar Padangtegal Kelod is an important sub-village within Padangtegal Village, located in the southern part of Ubud, Bali. It is deeply embedded in the island’s Balinese Hindu culture and traditions, contributing to the spiritual, social, and artistic life of Ubud. The banjar plays a central role in organizing religious ceremonies, social functions, and community activities, which strengthen the cultural bonds of the village.

Its location near the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary ties it to one of Bali's most famous and spiritually significant landmarks, and its proximity to Ubud's cultural and artistic scene ensures that it is an active participant in Bali's unique heritage. As the area continues to grow as a center of tourism, Banjar Padangtegal Kelod remains a vibrant community focused on preserving its cultural traditions, while also engaging with the broader tourism economy and environmental conservation efforts.